of Fort Smith, AR

January 20, 1931 - April 2, 2025

Bernice G. Voegele, 94, of Fort Smith, Arkansas formally of Hot Springs passed away from this life Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in Fort Smith.

Bernice was born January 20, 1931 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to her parents, Lee Graves and Thelma (Jacobs) Graves. Bernice worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a telephone operator for many years before she decided to leave her job to be a homemaker and a pastor's wife. She was a member of Christmas to Share in Hot Springs helping to raise money for the city's Christmas festival and she was also a member of The Woman's Missionary Union (WMU) at Hillside Baptist Church and Woodlawn Baptist Church where her husband, Herman Voegele was pastoring. She enjoyed playing the piano, singing in the choir, doing many kinds of craft projects, planting a vegetable garden or flowers, fishing and baking goods for other people. Her family was dear to her and they loved to come to the house and enjoy some of her chicken and dumplings, coconut pie, banana pudding, mashed potatoes, english pea salad or to have a glass of her sweet tea.

She is preceded in death by her parents, mentioned above; her husband of seventy-two years, Herman Voegele, Jr.; three brothers, Herman Graves, Howard Graves and Bill Graves and her step-mom who helped to raise her, Midge Graves.

Bernice is survived by her son, David Voegele and wife, Desiree of Purcellville, Virginia; two daughters, Susan Kennedy and husband, Bill of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Trudy Ray of Little Rock, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, Chris Kennedy, Nick Kennedy, Laura Beth Vail, Ashley Sledd, Holly Childs, Hunter Voegele, Elaine Bennett and Logan Voegele; twelve great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild plus another great-great grandchild expected in June; other family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Greenwood First Baptist Church officiated by Bro. Ronnie Deal.

There will be a private family interment at Riverwood Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Funeral Service and arrangements are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Chris Kennedy, Nick Kennedy, Tyson Kennedy, Kolin Elrod, Kadin Childs and David Voegele.

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